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A new analysis by the Produce Safety Project at Georgetown University pegs the cost of foodborne illnesses at $152 billion (with a B) a year. To put that in perspective, the study calculates that the financial impact of bad food in a year is more than the combined proposed 2010 budgets for the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services ($78.7 billion), Agriculture ($26 billion) and Homeland Security ($42.7 billion). The estimate includes direct expenses of medical care and payments from health insurers as well as the indirect costs ranging from missed work to premature death.

While we may not have much control over what germs and viruses are on our food when we get it, some simple food safety tips can keep your family from being a foodborne illness statistic. (continue reading…)

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Physical activity is an integral part of overall wellness, but if you haven’t been making time for exercise, starting a fitness regimen can seem overwhelming. While going from a more sedentary lifestyle to regular exercise is a major lifestyle change, taking the change in small steps can help ensure a successful long-term change.

The first part of any lifestyle change, when you’re developing habits, is the hardest. The good news is that, if you can stick to something for 3-4 weeks, the habit is very likely to stick. The 30-day incremental plan for developing an exercise habit relies heavily on preparing yourself physically and mentally for a lifestyle change, then sticking with a commitment. (continue reading…)

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Obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease rates are all higher among people in lower income brackets. Even with insurance and subsidized health care options through programs like Medicaid, people with lower incomes tend to get less preventative care. At the end of the day, people in the highest socioeconomic group have an average life expectancy more than 4 years higher than people in the lowest income bracket.

While the exact causes of income-related health disparities is open for study and debate, the results are clear: wealth buys health. (continue reading…)

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We trust the schools when our children step into the building and when they buy lunch that they will be getting a healthy and safe meal. The federally assisted meal program, The National School Lunch program (NSLP), was started in 1946 by President Harry Truman. The USDA states that they provide nutritionally balanced and low cost or free to children everyday. But like every large organization, they need us as parents and as citizens to ensure they are doing what is best for our children. Here are some difficulties the NSLP has had and what you can do to make a difference in your child’s school to ensure the best quality food and drinks. (continue reading…)

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With the new year entering its second week, now is the time that New Year’s resolutions start dropping off. Exercising is one of the most popular resolutions, with upward of half of people resolving to get more exercise. Unfortunately, only about 1 in 5 New Year’s resolutions are kept, and regular exercising is one of the least-kept resolutions. Green Diva Mom talked to Kelly Cole, a personal trainer and mom of 3, about making and keeping New Year’s resolutions for fitness.

Exercising more, or getting in shape, is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions. Why do you think so many people resolve to get in shape?

Well, the first thing I would think of is everyone knows they need to do it. Over 60% of our population in the United States is obese. Not just overweight, but obese, and people know that’s not healthy. We know heart disease is on the rise. Type II Diabetes, or adult-onset diabetes, is on the rise, and we’re noticing it in children because they’re becoming sedentary. We’ve all become more sedentary with our wonderful technology. At the same time, we’ve put on the weight. It causes many other problems down the road, and that’s why I think people people make this a resolution. (continue reading…)

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From Sustainable Table

During irradiation food is exposed to high doses of radiation in the form of gamma rays, X-rays or electron beams. Irradiation can kill nearly all bacteria in food, both good and bad, but has no effect on the infectious agent that causes mad cow disease, or on viruses (1), such as those that cause hepatitis or foot and mouth disease.

What foods are irradiated?

Foods currently approved for irradiation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration include meat and poultry, eggs, fruits and vegetables, juices, herbs, spices and flour. (continue reading…)